Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Times of Trouble

Have you ever had the feeling that God has forgotten you or just doesn't understand the troubles you are facing? I certainly have! Join me, Michele, as I read Psalm 34 this morning. This is what I hear God saying to me:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time (v. 18-19)

Why is it that those of us who are following God and trying to live our lives to honor and glorify him, still have trouble? Doesn't seem fair, does it? Why isn't all the calamity saved for those who don't follow God, who live their lives specifically for themselves? What use is it to be a Christ follower if my life will be full of trouble anyway?

What I would really love is to be totally free from any type of struggle. It would be great to never have to worry about what direction my life will go, to have no care regarding the uncertainties of life. To live like a carefree child! But, if that were the case, I wouldn't need a Savior. I wouldn't need to depend on God, I could just depend on myself. I could handle all of it alone.

I know one thing for sure....I want the Lord close to me! I want him to come to my rescue when I feel as if I am drowning in my sorrows! I am assured of these two things when I read verses 18-19. The psalmist assures me that I am not alone, that my God will draw close to me and rescue me.  I need God's wisdom, power and courage to get through the things of this life. He may not always totally wipe away the troubles but he will always help me through...I don't have to do it by myself!

We have all had times when we question God's presence in our circumstances. We wonder why. We try to make sense of what his plan for us may be. Or, we just try to make our own plans work because we are tired of waiting on him. But, there is another promise in this psalm:

Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. (v. 5)

Lord, I want to be radiant with joy! I want to feel no shame because I know that I have waited and depended on you to show me the way. Help me, Lord, to trust you in all areas of my life. I want you to draw close to me as I lay all my burdens at your feet. You are the God who can and will rescue me....I can't rescue myself. I need you and I love you, Heavenly Father. Amen

Please share any comments with us! Also, invite your friends to read the blog. It may be just the blessing they need at this time in their life. Have a great day!

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